Jim's Column

September7,2018

What a great time of year in Wisconsin! Summer is moving on and all that comes with fall is settling in: cooler air, Packers, Badgers, crunch time for Brewers, and back-to-school. Reality is hitting families all over our state as most students return to the classroom and begin preparation for their future. As important decisions are being made about next-steps, I hope public service, and specifically, service in our United States military, will be under serious consideration.

I am proud that each year I have had the privilege of nominating some of the finest young men and women of the 5th Congressional District to attend our nation’s military academies. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job as your Congressman; and I have been humbled by the hard work and dedication these students have demonstrated from the time they contact my office when they are in high school until the time they serve as leaders in our military. In 2017, at the recommendation of my Academy Selection Committee, I had the honor of nominating 34 exceptional young men and women.

The U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy accept qualified candidates who have been nominated by their Member of Congress. The academies consider evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals and motivation in evaluating nominees. Upon graduation, students are commissioned as officers in their respective military branch.

Now is a good time to remind those interested in pursuing a nomination that the applications are currently being accepted. Interested students who reside in Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District seeking to enter a service academy in the summer of 2019 (class of 2023) must submit an application to my Brookfield office no later than Friday, October 12, 2018. Information about the process can be found on my website (https://sensenbrenner.house.gov/academy-nominations), or by contacting my Brookfield Office at 262-784-1111.